GMF was saddened early Sunday afternoon (Feb. 12) to learn of the sudden passing of musician, songwriter, and producer Michael Mathis.
Michael’s music career spanned decades, during which he wrote songs performed by Dorothy Norwood, Leanne Faine, Albertina Walker, Anthony Hill, and others. During his lengthy career, he amassed scores of production credits and won a Grammy in 2001 for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album as a producer on Pastor Shirley Caesar’s album You Can Make It.
His most notable collaborations have indeed been alongside Pastor Caesar as her longtime music director, producer, and songwriting partner. His extensive list of songwriting credits for the queen of gospel includes “He’s Working It Out For You,” “Heaven,” and “You Can Make It,” along with “I Remember Mama” and “You’re Next in Line for a Miracle,” on which he is co-writer.
A superb organist, Michael also served at Raleigh’s Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church, where Caesar is the senior pastor. “We thank you, Lord,” she expressed in prayer at the conclusion of Sunday’s service, “for allowing him to touch my life for over 40 some years.”
In a heartfelt post on her Facebook page early Wednesday morning, Caesar shared:
Today, my heart is really bleeding because of the loss of my son, my friend, my co-worker, my musical director, Minister Michael E. Mathis.
I am in such disbelief because Michael was one who did everything right. He was a vegetarian, he exercised, walked five miles daily, he took care of his body. In all of the years that I have known him, he has never been sick. Right now, I just can’t believe that he is gone.
If there is anyone that I know was saved, it was Michael Mathis. He was such a wonderful person, one who never had a cross word with anyone. He was the epitome of what God would have us to be. I called him “My Mike.”
Facebook friends, please pray for me. I not only lost a son, but I lost a wonderful friend. My heart bleeds for “My Mike,” who is no longer with us.
Collectively, he played for my group, The Caesar Singers, and for my church, Mt Calvary Word of Faith, for 43 years.
With broken hearts we concede to the sovereignty of God, realizing that “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!!”
– Pastor Shirley Caesar
Michael made numerous television appearances, including one in the 2003 motion picture The Fighting Temptations.
In 2016, he produced a remake of Caesar’s classic “Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down,” to be used as a theme song for the Greenleaf series on OWN.
On a personal note, Mike was undoubtedly one of my musical influences. I appreciate having the opportunity to tell him on more than one occasion. I was blessed by his kindness and encouragement through our chats over the years and I am grateful our paths connected.
Condolences are extended to Mike’s family, Pastor Shirley Caesar and the Caesar Singers, Mt. Calvary Word of Faith, and all who are grieving at this difficult time.
Michael was 68.
A Celebration of Life musical tribute is set for Wednesday, February 22, at 7 pm. The homegoing service takes place Thursday, February 23, at noon, with visitation beginning two hours prior. All services will be at Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church, 3100 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Remembering the late ” Minister Mike Mathis”
I met Mike over 40 years ago in Durham, North Carolina. It was a custom that after Pastor Shirley Caesar Crusade everyone would follow Pastor Caesar & her Ministry Team to the Waffle House or Shoney’s. It was always a blessing to be in the company of great men and women of God. I remember always seeing Minister Mike Mathis. He was very quiet, personable, reserve and kindhearted. It was men like him that I remember seeing Christ in his life from a very early age. I always felt privilege watching Pastor Caesar Mike, Mae, Bernard, Aaron, Jean, Kay Kay, Anthony and others worship God with their whole heart. I guess what I am trying to say is it is a blessing to be in the presence of people who really love God. Minister Mike Mathis was one of the individuals that I felt God’s presence when ever I was in his presence. Once again, the Master has called home another solider. Thank you for your light to this dark world. You will never know how many people you blessed in this world. Rest in Peace!
Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas, Co-pastor of the First Chronicles Community Church in Durham, North Carolina
RIP Mike. May God have mercy on your soul. May he also strengthen your loved ones and family.
Yes. He encouraged a lot of people
Mike was my hero just found out today of his passing
Gentle GIANT in Human Form!!!! #ItWasntMeItWasTheHolyGhost He was so loving and kind faithful and true.
I am literally in a state of shock and disbelief. When Mike first moved to Durham, we became best friends, took road trips, recorded many unreleased songs together, and so much more before I moved away. He was a gifted man of God who genuinely loved people. Mike was simply the best. This one hurts. But I know he is at home now. I am praying for his family and Pastor Caesar-Williams.